North Shore Animal League America Presents Ten Health Tips For Your Pet's Well-Being In Honor Of National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., Oct. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over 50% of pets are considered overweight or obese, with numbers climbing steadily.  Just as with people, pet obesity has become an epidemic in the US.  Dr. Mark Verdino, Animal League America Vice President and Chief of Veterinary Staff states, "The most common cause for obesity in animals is over-feeding and lack of exercise.  In this regard, most overweight animals can easily be put on a path to lose weight."  In honor of National Pet Obesity Awareness Day on Wednesday, October 8^th, North Shore Animal League America would like to share some important Pet Health Tips for you to incorporate into your four-legged family member's life:

• Have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian to develop a plan for healthy living.  Unchecked obesity in pets can lead to debilitating diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer and more. 
• We love to snack, and so do our pets.  Although satisfying, unhealthy snacking can put on a couple of unnecessary pounds.  Avoid from feeding snacks and table scraps to your cat or dog.
• Exercise with your pet.  From running an errand to going for a jog, take your dog with you.  Exercise is quite essential for your pet's health as it increases strength and longevity.
• Wellness through water.  Water is key for digesting food and will help your pet's body absorb important nutrients.  Make sure your pet's bowl is filled with clean, clear water on a daily basis.
• Feed on a schedule.  Avoid accidental overfeeding by sticking to your pet's recommended daily feeding guide. 
• While preparing and cooking your own meals, it is best to keep your pet in another room. 
• Make sure additional food is not just lying around as it will only encourage your pet to eat more than his/her daily diet suggests.
• If you are going away, make sure to leave clear diet/feeding instructions with the person who will be looking after your pet.
• If you have more than one pet, feed them separately.
• When purchasing pet food, look for the words "complete and balanced nutrition" on the label.  Consult with your veterinarian for more information regarding your pet's specific diet.

While Pet Obesity Awareness Day is designed to bring awareness to this issue, appropriate feeding and exercise every day is needed to solve it. 

For more information on pet safety and care, visit our Expert Advice page.

For more information on adopting a rescue animal, visit our Adopt page

Media Contact:
Eva Ismail
516.652.9151
[email protected]  

ABOUT NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA
North Shore Animal League America - Home of the Mutt-i-gree® - headquartered in Port Washington, NY, is the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world. The Animal League reaches across the country to rescue, nurture and adopt 20,000 pets into happy and loving homes each year. Over the past decade, the Animal League saved over 200,000 lives and has saved 1,000,000 animals since its inception. "Like" us at www.Facebook.com/TheAnimalLeague, follow us at www.Twitter.com/AnimalLeague. To learn more about animal rescue and welfare, visit www.AnimalLeague.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141008/150908

SOURCE North Shore Animal League America